長毛的蝸牛搜主題
蝸牛有長、圓、扁等許多型態,最特別的當屬長毛的蝸牛。臺灣盾蝸牛與薄盾蝸牛在殼的邊緣上長了一圈的尖毛,稱之為「殼毛」。究竟殼毛有什麼作用呢?至今仍然沒有定論,有的科學家推論這些角質毛對於蝸牛的天敵會產生威嚇作用,也有的認為更易於水份收集保持,也有研究顯示這些毛能幫助蝸牛附著於不時晃動的葉片上,其演化與潮溼棲地相關。不論這些殼毛有何作用,長毛的蝸牛都令人感到驚奇。
Snails are diverse in shape, such as long, round, and flat. The most unique shapes are those with hair. For example, Aegista mackensii and Aegista impexa possess hair-like structure on the shell. What function do these hairs play? It is still inconclusive. Some scientists suggest that these keratin hairs could deter the predators, while some believe that they are for maintaining moisuture. Studies also indicate that the evolution of hair-like structure associates with wet habitats, helping its owner attach on the swaying leaves. No matter what function these hairs play, long-haired snails are fascinating.
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